Originally Posted by
BenA
After thinking on this for a few days, I think an A321XLR order is likely to replace the 767s. DL has too many TATL routes that need small international aircraft to give up all the 767s without a replacement; the 330Neo is just too much airplane, and the 330-800 is pretty inefficient.
A fleet of XLRs configured with lieflat J would let Delta introduce a quality transcon product competing with Mint and cover a wide variety of ATL/JFK-Europe point to point routes efficiently at reduced traffic levels.
I think it makes more sense than picking up a 787 sub fleet at this point, unless Delta sees an opportunity on the used market they can’t pass up.
My thinking as well. I think DL would love an efficient narrowbody that can serve a whole bunch of secondary markets in Europe from ATL/JFK.
787 is a great plane, but it would be an oddball subfleet, and if there's one thing that's become crystal clear in the last few months, DL doesn't like oddball subfleets (farewell 777, 717, 737-700).